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How to Insert Header in Word – Shortcuts for Windows, macOS & Ubuntu

Adding a professional touch to your documents starts with mastering how to insert a header in Word. Headers appear at the top of every page and often contain page numbers, document titles, author names, or dates. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, Microsoft Word and its alternatives offer simple ways—including keyboard shortcuts—to insert, edit, and customize headers for any purpose, from academic papers to business reports.

📄 What Is a Header in Microsoft Word?

A header is the section of the document that appears above the main content on every page. It can contain:

  • Text (title, author, file name)
  • Images (logos or watermarks)
  • Page numbers
  • Date and time
  • Section-specific information (like chapter names)

Headers can differ from section to section, or repeat throughout the entire document.

🪟 How to Insert Header in Word on Windows

✅ Keyboard Shortcut

  • Alt + N, H → Opens the Header menu
  • Or press Alt + Shift + D to insert a dynamic date field in the header
  • You can also press Esc to return to the document body after editing

✅ Steps to Insert a Header

  1. Go to the Insert tab
  2. Click Header in the toolbar
  3. Choose a pre-designed layout or click Edit Header
  4. Type your content and format it
  5. Click anywhere in the main document to exit the header

💡 To remove or change a header, double-click the header area and make your edits.

🍏 How to Insert Header in Word on macOS

✅ Keyboard Shortcut

  • Control + Command (⌘) + H → Activates the header section for editing
  • You can also use Command + Option + Shift + D to insert the current date into the header

✅ Steps

  1. Click the Insert tab
  2. Choose Header
  3. Select a style or click Edit Header
  4. Add and format your text
  5. Double-click anywhere outside the header area to return to the body

📝 Word for Mac offers the same predefined header templates as the Windows version.

🐧 How to Insert Header in Word on Ubuntu

Ubuntu users often work in:

  • LibreOffice Writer
  • Microsoft Word Online

✅ LibreOffice Writer Shortcut

  • Insert > Header and Footer > Header > Default Style
  • Or use F11 to open styles, then enable the header from the formatting pane

✅ Steps in LibreOffice

  1. Click Insert > Header and Footer > Header
  2. Choose the page style (e.g., Default, First Page)
  3. Type and format your header content
  4. Headers are automatically applied to matching pages

✅ Word Online (Ubuntu/Web)

  1. Click Insert > Header
  2. Choose a layout
  3. Click into the header area to customize
  4. Click Close Header & Footer when done

✅ Word Online automatically saves changes as you go.

🧭 Quick Reference – Header Insertion Methods

PlatformShortcut/CommandMethod
WindowsAlt + N, H / Alt + Shift + DInsert tab > Header
macOSCtrl + Cmd + H / Cmd + Opt + Shift + DInsert tab > Header
UbuntuF11 / Insert > Header (Writer)Format pane or toolbar
Word OnlineClick Insert > HeaderWeb-based editing

🛠️ Customizing Headers Further

  • Use “Different First Page” if you don’t want the header on the cover
  • Insert page numbers via Insert > Page Number
  • Use Fields (Insert > Field) to show file name, author, or date
  • Add section breaks to create unique headers for different document parts

📌 Headers can be aligned left, right, or center—or all three using tab stops.

❓ FAQ – How to Insert Header in Word

Can I have a different header on the first page?
Yes. Go to the Header & Footer Tools tab and check Different First Page.

How do I remove a header?
Double-click the header area and press Delete, or go to Insert > Header > Remove Header.

Are headers visible in Print Layout only?
Correct. Switch to Print Layout View to see and edit headers properly.

Can I insert a picture in the header?
Yes! Just click inside the header and use Insert > Pictures.

Does Word Online support all header functions?
Most basic header features are supported, though advanced fields and sectioning are limited.

✅ Conclusion

Knowing how to insert a header in Word is crucial for producing professional, polished documents. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, using keyboard shortcuts or menu options lets you add and format headers effortlessly. From academic papers to business proposals, a clear, consistent header improves document navigation and branding.

Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.

https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/

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